It’s so easy to get scale obsessed and calorie counting obsessed. I can fall into that vicious pattern too and even have gone through periods in the past where I’ve put my scale in a closet for several months. It’s the main reason why I can’t do programs like Weight Watchers where your weekly weight loss—not your healthy choices—is the ultimate factor on if you’re deemed successful or not. +0.8 weight gain? After working my butt off this week!? Guess I should stop trying. Been there, done that.

Numbers on a scale are so deceiving and often frustrating. What does “weight” really mean anyway? Does the thin woman on the right have more value because she weighs less than the one on the left? How much do you think each of these women weigh?

Which one do you most identify your body type with?

All of the women in this photo weigh 154 lbs.

Yup.

Every. single. one. weighs 154 lbs.

So why do we put any clout in the scale?

Story of my life right now is seeing progress in the mirror but not on the scale because I fluctuate 3-4 lbs so easily. And then realizing how silly it is to want a scale to reflect my hard work too. Where do we learn this behavior?

This photo is such a perfect illustration of different body types and how we all carry weight differently. Really makes that 154 lbs (which ironically is my “fightin” weight when I’m forced to admit it…and no, I’m not there yet and maybe never will be again) prove there’s no average weight anyone should be aiming for. Even the BMI chart is a failed comparison for most people since it doesn’t take into account lean muscle mass. There are world class athletes that are classified as “overweight,” or even “obese” in some cases, because of their muscular physique. So instead of focusing on pounds lost and calories counted, focus on clean, healthy eating and exercise. Tone your muscles. Pray. Laugh. Let your emotional and physical strength define you instead of a number on a scale.